The planned Muslim community center in lower Manhattan has caused quite the stir in recent weeks. The Cordoba House will be constructed two blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center and will host a mosque among other things. On Monday, the story took a curious turn when conservative humorist Greg Gutfeld announced he was investing in a Muslim-oriented gay bar to reside next to the center.  "As you know, the Muslim faith doesn’t look kindly upon homosexuality, which is why I’m building this bar," Gutfeld wrote. "It is an effort to break down barriers and reduce deadly homophobia in the Islamic world."

Gutfeltd's provocation drew a lot of attention and on Tuesday, he appeared on Glenn Beck to elaborate on his plan. He and Beck had an interesting back and forth:

BECK:  Now, as someone who wouldn't want this gay bar built next to my
church or, you know, a temple of mine, do you think it might be a little
over the top?  

GUTFELD:  No.  I think it has to be done, Glenn.  It has to be done.  
And if I'm not the person to do it, somebody must do it... 

GUTFELD:  There will be no alcohol there, Glenn, so you
can come.  

BECK:  OK.  Really?  

GUTFELD:  Because Muslims don't drink alcohol.  

BECK:  Yes.  Neither do I.  

 GUTFELD:  So the bar will have 72 virgin drinks. 

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at jhudson at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
John Hudson